UPMC in Central Pa. surgeons perform advanced aortic root surgery, with or without preserving the aortic valve. The valve-sparing surgery is also known as the David procedure.
Our specialists are among the most experienced in the region at performing aortic root surgery. We use the latest valve-sparing techniques whenever possible to preserve the normal function of your aortic valve and eliminate the need for blood-thinning medications.
Your aortic root is the portion of your aorta, or the main artery in your body, that is just above your aortic valve. Aortic root surgery is performed to treat an aortic root aneurysm, which is a weakening in the wall of your aortic root.
When an aneurysm is located in your aortic root, it is impossible to treat the aneurysm without also addressing your aortic valve.
You will be positioned on a table and placed under general anesthesia. You will be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine that will take over the function of your heart and lungs during your operation. Your doctor will make an incision in your chest to access your heart and aortic root.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may be able to remove and replace the diseased section of your aorta while preserving your aortic valve. This is valve-sparing technique is called the David procedure.
During the David procedure, your surgeon will remove your ascending aorta and coronary arteries just above your aortic valve, and a synthetic graft will be attached with small stitches. Your coronary arteries also will be reattached to the synthetic graft. As a result, the David procedure eliminates the need to replace your aortic valve with a mechanical valve.
An advantage to the valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedure is you will not need anticoagulants, or blood-thinning medications. The synthetic graft used in the David procedure is very durable and your own aortic valve can function normally.
When the procedure is completed, you will be moved to recovery for observation and monitoring. Your doctor will provide more information about your recovery.
Your doctor will provide more information about your recovery after aortic root surgery and will let you know when you can resume your normal activities. You should follow your doctor's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.
Contact the Valve Clinic: 1-855-275-6478
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Brady Building
205 South Front Street
4th floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: 717-231-8555
Fax: 717-231-8568
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
16324 Mount Airy Road
Lower Level
Shrewsbury, PA 17361
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1600 6th Avenue
Suite 105
York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1555 Highlands Drive
Suite 100
Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (formerly Cardiac Consultants)
1697 Crown Avenue
Suite 100
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205
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